USA – The man who oversaw the long-sought-after overhaul of union work rules at McCormick Place has resigned from his role as president and CEO of the Chicago Convention and Tourism Bureau (CCTB).
Tim Roby testified before the Joint Committee on the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) last April, where he spoke passionately about the need for reform, according to EW’s US partner Trade Show Executive.
“Chicago is a world-class business city with a convenient, centralised location and boasts the largest convention facility in the country,” he said. “But having the best facilities, labour force, hotels, and restaurants means nothing if we can’t give our customers what they need. And from our customers’ perspective, what they need is a reduction in costs.”
Following the adoption of new work rules, the National Restaurant Association was one of several major events to make a commitment to Chicago. The association signed a five-year agreement to keep its annual tradeshow there until 2016.
On 3 January Roby joins Starwood Hotels and Resorts as senior VP of sales, North America and will be based in Stamford, CT. He leaves his current role on 22 December.
During his appearance at front of the MPEA, Roby did much to raise awareness of the economic impact of Chicago’s visitor industry, indicating the visitor industry is directly responsible for 132,000 jobs and US$656m in tax revenues.
“For every public dollar invested in the CCTB, $23 is generated in taxes. Very few businesses can claim that high of a return on investment,” he pointed out. “Furthermore, every one per cent increase in Chicago hotel occupancy will translate directly into an additional $5m in state and local tax receipts and 1,000 new jobs.”
CCTB ChairmanRauner is backing Jack Johnson, the bureau’s vice president of external relations, for the role of interim CEO beginning on December 23. Johnson will work with the executive committee on the search for Roby’s successor.
